Crystal Cruises Reveals 2017 Itineraries

Well, darn. When we saw the "rendering" image pictured here on Crystal Cruises' Facebook page, along with the announcement of news being shared, we were hoping the news would include new ships for the luxury line.

Despite our disappointment that the news wasn't about Crystal expanding their fleet, we are impressed that the line has firmed up its complete roster of global itineraries for 2017, with fares available for booking earlier than ever—a full two years in advance. The 2017 cruises and fares were unveiled online at Crystal's website and in Crystal's first complete two-year Worldwide Cruise Atlas, the most comprehensive cruise planning brochure the line offers, at 236 artfully illustrated pages detailing the diverse and enriching experiences set for the coming two years.

Following a 2016 season that boasts a history-making transit of the fabled Northwest Passage, plus a 102-day World Cruise circling the Pacific Rim and more maiden calls than ever before, 2017 promises for an exhilarating year of firsts, anticipated returns, remote locales and other highlights on all seven continents, including:

-- 57 voyages to 268 ports in 84 countries, with more than 150 overnights, the most ever offered in a single year
-- 32 Maiden calls to intriguing places like Maroantsetra, Madagascar; Iquique, Chile; and Djupivogur, Iceland; along with lesser known gems such as Calvi, Corsica; Sete, France; and Santa Margherita, Italy.
-- Crystal's first-ever voyages to New Guinea, and maiden calls in Vanuatu and New Caledonia, all featured on a January segment of the 99-day Grand Pacific Explorer Grand Cruise
-- A return to the Middle East and Holy Land, with Crystal Symphony among the very first luxury ships to visit Doha, Qatar, on a November itinerary that includes a call in Abu Dhabi, allowing for visits to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest in the UAE, as well as the new Louvre museum, set to open in 2015, and the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim, scheduled for completion in 2017
-- A 94-day Southern Celebracion World Cruise aboard Crystal Serenity, circumnavigating South America and offering exotic adventure in the Galapagos, Antarctica, the Amazon, Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and more
-- A new 2-night inclusive overland program in Paris on two summer sailings in August
-- European options that offer more Mediterranean cruises and variety than ever before; new itineraries beginning or ending in Portsmouth, England and Valletta, Malta; and multiple overnights on virtually every voyage
-- Singular voyages include journeys to the North Cape, British Isles, Canary Islands and Holy Land
-- Caribbean journeys that begin or end in Charleston, South Carolina
-- Crystal's first-ever South Africa Holiday Cruise round-trip from Cape Town, highlighted by exceptional opportunities for safari adventures.
-- Itineraries designed around global events, like visiting Stockholm during Sweden's festive Midsummer celebration, Muscat on the Sultan's birthday (Oman's Independence Day) and Edinburgh for the Military Tattoo

"We continue to offer intrepid luxury travelers new ways to explore and experience the world, whether with a new destination or simply a new perspective on a favorite one," says Edie Rodriguez, Crystal's president and COO.

All the details showcasing the diverse itineraries in 2016 and 2017 can be found in Crystal's largest printed cruise Atlas to date. The beautifully designed and colorful brochure features cruise planning tools, information about Crystal's popular theme cruises along with the line's exclusive "Boutique Adventures" and other shore excursions highlights, and more.

Through March 2, 2015, all-inclusive "Book Now" cruise fares for 2016 and 2017 start at $2,200 per person. The 2016/2017 Worldwide Cruise Atlas can be viewed and ordered at CrystalCruises.com.

Image Courtesy Crystal Cruises